an american expat living in the netherlands

Carry On Travel | Patagonia Headway MLC

June 13, 20161 comment

One of our goals while living in Europe is to take advantage of the close proximity to many other countries. We love to travel, and we do it relatively well together. We have traveled a combined 17 or so weeks (maybe more) in our seven years of marriage. We have grand plans to travel as much as we can at least for the first year that we are in the Netherlands, and hopefully continue to do so at a moderate pace. And with many friends in the U.K., we are bound to take frequent weekend trips to England at the least.

Most of these flights will be on the cheapest airlines we can manage, which usually only allow for one carry on bag per person. That said, we knew we needed to invest in some carry on luggage we could use for years to come. Piet did most of the research, but we both had similar requirements. The luggage has to meet even the strictest of carry on size requirements ( Easy Jet ), had to have lots of built in organization, easy to carry without a bulky frame or wheels cutting into the internal packing space, must be stylish if possible, and bonus if it had a spot for a laptop. Enter the Patagonia Headway MLC!

It is touted as “a rugged soft-sided suitcase that converts to a backpack, holds three to five days’ worth of gear and meets most carry-on requirements.” I would say it does all that and more. This cute little bag comes in four color combinations. I ordered the pictured Smolder Blue, and Piet ordered the Black. You can carry it like a backpack, like a messenger bag, or like a suite case. It has all sorts of internal and external pockets and zippers without being unnecessarily complicated. But the best part, is that it holds so much stuff! Above is the bag fully packed for a 4-5 day trip. Below I have pulled out all the contents to show you everything this little guy was able to fit.

We also chose to purchase some inexpensive travel packing cubes. Personally, I think they are very handy for packing, and once you reach your destination, they help keep organized rather than exploding all over your hotel or guest room like we usually do. This Diniwell 6 Set of Travel Organizers was purchased on Amazon for $16.99 and comes in 18 different colors. I also ordered an inexpensive Diniwell toiletry bag from the same manufacture for $10.99.

So here we are! All unpacked. Here is what I was able to fit in the Patagonia Headway MLC.

MacBook & Charger

Kindle

Swimsuit

1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of leggings

1 dress

3 tops

1 cartigan

1 thick scarf

1 pair of sneakers

Pajamas

5 pair of underwear

3 pair of socks

1 bra

Hairdryer

Makeup and makeup brushes

Hair brush

Toiletries

Sunglasses

Thats said, I could have also fit a couple of books or magazines, snacks, maybe even another clothing item….that is to say, I could have loaded more in this thing if I wanted to. But this is really enough stuff for a 4-5 day trip. I am feeling pretty darn satisfied with our purchase so far. I should also mention that wearing it as a backpack is probably going to be my go to choice as its super comfortable and leaves my hands free to carry coffee, candy, a small dog…whatever!

We are both very excited to test our new Patagonia bags out this weekend when we head to the Oregon Coast!

1 comment

Kay COctober 22, 2016 at 9:25 am

Hiya! How did the bag hold up? I just ordered one for a trip to France and Italy. I used a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 last year and although it is awesome, I wanted more compartments and the laptop area. Looking forwarding to hearing about it! Have a great day! 🙂